From the creepy crawlies at our backyard barbecues to the music we will be listening to – University of the Sunshine Coast experts are available to discuss some of this summer's most interesting, important and quirky topics.
UniSC academics available for interviews, by request, include:
The unwanted gift of holiday sickness
Dr Matthew Mason, Lecturer, Nursing Science
As people gather for Christmas parties, travel, and holidays with extended family and friends, what are the latest preventative measures for infectious diseases such as Influenza, COVID, and gastro? Tips for managing minor illness and accidents.
The sounds of summer
Dr Lachlan Goold, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Music
A music industry wrap up for 2023 and what we might expect in 2024; music festivals in the summer season; can you make a life in the creative Industries.
The birds, bats frogs and reptiles in our backyard
Dr Dominique Potvin, Senior Lecturer in Animal Ecology
Many people enjoying the beach, bush or backyard this summer will come into contact with Australia’s flying or jumping creatures – even downtown.
How are human activities such as urbanisation, or even our long holiday drives affecting birds, frogs, bats and other vertebrates?
dpotvin@usc.edu.au
Dealing with an epidemic of broken hearts
Dr Dyann Ross, Senior Lecturer in Social Work
Love is the answer as violence and injustice help create an epidemic of broken-heartedness that is especially heightened during the holiday season, according to University of Sunshine Coast social work academic and ‘love theorist’ Dr Dyann Ross.
“Our senses are facing an onslaught of harm and injustice that we can’t avoid witnessing, and our hearts can't avoid feeling,” says Dr Ross who has reworked a theory of broken-heartedness and love in a new book. Details here.
dross@usc.edu.au
The psychology of Santa Claus and holidays
Dr Rachael Sharman, Senior Lecturer in Psychology
How does the magic of Santa light up children’s brains as they anticipate the big visit on Christmas Eve? What are some strategies to support your mental health over the holidays?
Coping with disruption or stress associated with family dynamics, work/home balance, COVID impacts, Christmas anxiety, parenting issues, loneliness, grief.
rsharman@usc.edu.au
Helping youth starting the school year strong
Dr Michelle Kennedy, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, UniSC Thompson Institute
The school holidays may be a time of relaxation and zero assignments, but for some kids it’s a time of nervous anticipation for the coming school year. More details here.
Whatever is worrying them, evidence suggests that caregivers should address it before the new school year begins. Dr Kennedy offers strategies parents can implement to support children before school starts and during the first few weeks of the new school.
mkenned1@usc.edu.au
Tech trends of 2024
Dr Erica Mealy, Lecturer in Computer Science
What data does Spotify (and others) use for your "wrapped" playlist, how do Amazon and Google build their shopping recommendations.
A look at the tech trends for 2023 and looking ahead to 2024.
Will seaweed play a role in your healthy holiday?
Dr Alexandra Campbell, Senior Lecturer in Bioscience
Human health and wellbeing are linked to marine ecosystems.
How can adults and children make the most of this during their leisure time? And can we save the world with seaweeds?
Peak holiday season is coming
Dr Aaron Tham, Lecturer in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
Topics include sustainable tourism during peak holiday season, destination branding and marketing, citizen science, beaches and turtles.
(Available for interviews after 2 Jan)
mtham@usc.edu.au
Health ageing and holiday wellbeing
Dr Daniel Wadsworth, Senior Lecturer in Applied Science
Accessible exercise for health and wellbeing in ageing populations, exercise rehabilitation and move over summer.
Media Resources:
UniSC academics can be contacted directly with interview requests using the details provided.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au